Sulphonamides, sulphasalazine, sulfasalazine

There have been reports of terrifying nightmares in medical publications

Psychosis is a known and recorded side effect of sulphonamide drugs yet the term does not appear in the patient information.

It is vital not to become dehydrated when taking sulfasalazine.

The Pharmacia and Upjohn data sheet stated:

Sulphasalazine (salazopyrine) is prescribed for maintaining remission in ulcerative colitis for the treatment of active Crohn's disease.

On the manufacturers data sheet is a statement "A PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET SHOULD BE SUPPLIED SPECIFICALLY ADVISING PATIENTS ON BLOOD DYSCRASIAS" It recommends blood tests and "the patient should also be counselled to report immediately with any sore throat, fever, malaise or unexpected non specific illness."

In medical literature it has been stressed that patients should be instructed regarding the importance of adequate fluid intake"

Reporting Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs)

It is well known that serious side effects of medicines are under reported and the UK regulatory body the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) estimate less than 10% of serious ADRs are reported.

If you are, for no apparent reason, feeling mentally distressed, it may be caused by starting or stopping medication, due to a changed dose, withdrawal effects, interactions with other drugs, or following surgery. You can request a list of drugs used pre surgery and during surgery and those for pain or infection to be taken later.

You should be given a patient information leaflet (PIL) for all drugs prescribed, either as you are discharged from hospital, or if the pharmacy supplies you from a bulk supply of pills. (EU Directive 1997)